Gene Terry Sherron's Obituary
Gene Terry Sherron went to be with his Savior on April 3, 2024. He was 92 years old. The week of his death, Gene enjoyed meals in his home with friends, a bike ride in his neighborhood, and visits with his daughter. Ironically, this man with a big heart, succumbed to congestive heart disease.
Gene was born at home in Dania, Florida on August 30, 1931, the youngest of three children of Letha Alda and Ishmeal Lee Sherron. He grew up in Hollywood, Florida where his father owned a car dealership, and his mother was a homemaker. Growing up, Gene’s family attended the local Methodist church. He graduated from South Broward High School in 1949, and went on to attend the University of Florida, where he earned a BS in Business Administration. He was active in the fraternity Phi Kappa Alpha. He met the love of his life, Elaine Smysor Sherron, on campus. Upon graduation, having participated in ROTC during college, he began his career in the Army (101st / 506 / Ranger). Elaine waited two years for Gene’s return from his first assignment in Korea, and they wed May 1, 1956. During the course of their 58 years of marriage, they moved 17 times (13 of them with their children), living in places like Washington, Georgia, Kansas, California, Panama, Virginia, and Florida.
In early 1954 he began his 23-year career in the Army, retiring in 1977 as a Colonel of Infantry. While serving, Gene earned an MBA in Information Systems from George Washington University and later returned there to earn a Doctorate in Business Administration. During his years of outstanding service in the Army, he was recognized with 36 awards and decorations plus 6 unit citations - including the Silver Star for rescuing two Rangers (snipers) trying to escape the hot pursuit of a Viet Cong platoon, and the Air Medal with “V” for the successful night-time defense of a fire base under siege by the North Viet Cong. He retired from the Army in 1977 with the rank of Colonel, only to start a second career in higher education as a professor and administrator at the University of Maryland (1977 - 1985), and then at Florida State University (1985 – 2000). Once again, he made a significant impact to the degree programs and curriculum in the departments he served at both Universities. He even launched a long distance teaching modality, which was innovative and forward thinking at the time. During his academic career, he made 27 invited presentations, wrote 16 peer reviewed periodicals, had 22 papers published, wrote 15 monographs, and conducted 32 professional reviews and consultations from coast to coast and overseas.
Gene enjoyed teaching his three children many practical skills as they were growing up, such as how to fix cars, raid junk yards for parts, woodworking, household appliance repairs and other home improvements. As a father, he inspired a “can do” attitude in all of his children. He delighted in the fact that his kids could do just about any repair or creation because of his influence. Gene took the children on canoe trips, rowed the Potomac River, visited museums and monuments in the District of Columba, and served as his sons’ Cub and Scout Master.
Gene and Elaine moved to Tallahassee in 1985, to return to their Floridia roots and to be closer to family. Gene’s interest in community involvement included Rotary and the local church. As a Vietnam veteran he had a passion for telling “their story” and would speak at any civic group that would have him. Gene joined Rotary in 1995 and once again his leadership skills emerged. He served in all of the club’s officer positions - culminating as district governor of the panhandle’s 51 Rotary Clubs. There, his devotion to the troops continued as he orchestrated care packages to troops in “harm’s way” – all told, 725 boxes were mailed by Rotary. His love of service and adventure continued with his international Rotarian travels, and by the end of his life, he was proud to say he had visited all 50 states and over 40 countries! He was a man of great humor, energy, kindness and generosity. Those that knew him called him friend. Through his easy manner and inquisitive nature, he had friends of all ages and backgrounds, and he will be sorely missed by all.
Gene was predeceased by his devoted parents, Letha Alda Terry and Ishmeal Lee Sherron of Hollywood; his brother, Harold Lee Sherron of Ft. Lauderdale; his sister Mary Ann Spillman of Cornwall, PA, and his beloved wife Elaine Smysor Sherron originally from Gainesville, FL.
He is survived by his son, Daniel Allen (Sheryl) of Orlando; his daughter, Yvonne Sherron Smart (TW) of Tallahassee; and his son, Scott Terry of Lakeland; nephew, Douglas Sherron, of Hollywood and a niece Kathleen Turner.
A memorial service will be held at Bradfordville First Baptist Church on Wednesday, April 24, at 3:00 PM. Flowers or plants can be sent to the church. However, should you wish to remember Gene with a monetary gift, donations are welcome at either the FSU Foundation in support of “The Professor Gene T. Sherron Scholarship Fund,” or the Rotary Foundation, in memory of PDG Gene T. Sherron (#2385694). Gene will be laid to rest with his wife Elaine Smysor Sherron, with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, VA, at a future date. Tholley Taylor of Lifesong (lifesongfunerals.com or 850-765-3190) is assisting the family with their arrangements.
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